Debut Orchestra Conductor
Dana Green is a violinist, educator, and conductor whose musical journey began at the age of five under the guidance of Steve Bjella. Over the years, he continued his studies with Brian Groner, Laura Miller, Hilel Kagan, and Theresa Fream, each shaping his development as an artist and teacher.
Dana earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from DePaul University in 2004, followed by a Master of Music with a specialization in Music Education from Northern Illinois University. He later pursued advanced study in rehearsal techniques at Indiana University with Dr. Cliff Colnot. Since then, he has accumulated thousands of podium hours working with students at Vernon Hills High School, Naperville North High School, Mill Street and Naper Elementary Schools, the West Suburban Youth Orchestra, and the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra.
During his tenure at Naperville North, Mr. Green expanded the orchestra program from 46 to 154 students while simultaneously tripling enrollment in the orchestras at Naper and Mill Street Elementary Schools. He also founded three thriving extra-curricular ensembles involving more than 130 high school string musicians.
Dana has led ensembles to first-place finishes at national competitions in Seattle, San Francisco, Boston, and New York. Orchestras under his baton in both Naperville and Vernon Hills have been featured performers at the Illinois Music Educators Conference.
For a decade, Mr. Green served as a director of the West Suburban Youth Orchestra, working with students in grades 4–11 on symphonic literature. He continues to mentor young chamber musicians as a coach for the OPUS Chamber Music Program, focusing on string quartet artistry.
A highly sought-after educator, Dana is frequently invited to serve as a contest adjudicator and guest conductor for festivals across the Midwest. His energetic and inspiring approach to music-making has enriched countless students and communities. He is currently the Director of Orchestras at Vernon Hills High School and the conductor of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Debut Orchestra, where he continues to share his passion for music with the next generation.
What is your favorite piece to play or conduct?
A few years ago I had the opportunity to conduct the Finale of Shostakovich’s 5th Symphony with the Debut Orchestra. That remains one of my favorite conducting experiences because the piece is incredible and the orchestra sounded unreasonably good. There are so many moments that seemed designed to pull an ensemble apart, but when things flow just right, conducting that piece is like being on a spine-tingling rollercoaster ride.
What is your favorite musical memory from when you were young?
My mother and father were both professional musicians. When my brothers and I were young, we were given access to the backstage of their performances and even on some of their international tours. For as long as I can remember, music has been this thing that electrifies the air and acts as a passport to other worlds.
